About the challenge
Next spring, HackAmerica is encouraging high school students nationwide to participate in one of the largest student-led hackathons in the United States. Over a week, students will immerse themselves in the dynamic, ongoing, social-environmental issues that exist in this country and others around the world, choosing a focus of their choice. Whether solo or in a team of up to four, your mission is to build something that matters. Feel free to use any tools or tech, as there are no limits—only one rule: your project must be submitted before time’s up to be judged by our panel. This isn’t just about coding—it’s about bold ideas, smart collaboration, and sparking a real difference. Beginners, experts, and everyone in between are welcome. Come build with us, and show the world what students can do when we lead the way.
Get started
Whether you’re going solo or collaborating with up to 3 fellow hackers, HackAmerica is still your place to design: from within anywhere in the nation. We will give you a full liberty of any programming languages, tools, or platforms (yes, ChatGPT is allowed) that you like. We won’t restrict your freedom. Construct what you have learned or even experiment with new ones. As HackAmerica is an online event, we will program your creativity for success. There will be lots of virtual workshops, live Q&As, mini-challenges, and community events in the schedule for you to energize your mind, enhance your skills, and get acquainted with other hackers across America.
Our Discord server is your home base. Here is where you will find the people who will be working with you, the place to share your ideas, the place to ask questions, and the place to get mentor’s help all along the weekend. If you have a lot of programming experience or if you are just learning the code, you will find a community that will stand with you. No experience in hackathons? The situation is even better. Your only requirements are curiosity, Wi-Fi, and the courage to create something daring.
The inception of any great idea starts with one small decision: the decision to start. So go for it – we are ready to see what you’re going to build.
Requirements
What to Build
You can build anything you want. This is your chance to create something that matters to you. There are no required themes, no limits, and no boundaries. Whether it’s a social impact project, a fun game, a personal tool, or something completely original, if you can imagine it, you can build it. Use any tech, tools, or platform you like, whatever helps bring your idea to life.
What to Submit
All projects must be submitted via Devpost before the official deadline. Submissions must include the following:
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Project title
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A written description explaining what your project does and the issue it addresses (min: 100 words).
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A demo video (maximum 3 min.) that presents your project in action
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A link to your code repository (e.g. GitHub)
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A list of all technology used
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Name of all team members (if applicable)
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A brief reflection on what you learned or found challenging during the process.
Projects will be judged on creativity, impact, functionality, and overall execution. Polish is grest, but it’s your ideas and initiative that matter most.
You’re not just submitting code: you’re sharing a solution, a story, and a statement about what you believe is possible. Make it count.
Prizes
Team Prize 1st
Team Prize 2nd
Team Prize 3rd
Individual 1st
Individual 2nd
Individual 3rd
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Sanjay Subbaraj
HackAmerica - Founder
Judging Criteria
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Be as creative you can!
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Invite others to compete
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